Constellation mapping for modulated communications

ABSTRACT

Constellations ( 22 ) arranged in a concentric circle pattern provide simplified control of modulated communication. A plurality of concentric circles ( 26, 28, 30 ) with defined points ( 24 ) include convolutionally coded and uncoded bits. Constellation patterns having three or four concentric circles ( 26, 28, 30 ) are provided. A magnitude error for each of the points ( 24 ) allows for deviations during communication. The constellations ( 22 ) provide efficient communication using non-linear channels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to data transmission systems, and more particularly to transmitting data via a modulated signal based upon a signal constellation pattern.

[0003] 2. Discussion of the Related Art

[0004] The increased use of electronic devices (e.g., cellular telephones, modems, etc.) for every day communication has resulted in less available bandwidth and limited frequency allocation for use in these communications. Maximizing use of the allocated bandwidth (i.e., assigned frequencies) is increasingly critical. Specifically, bandwidth modulations that can achieve efficiencies of several bits per second/hertz (bps/Hz) are desirable.

[0005] The use of modulated signals to transmit (e.g., broadcast) digital data over analog channels is common. Essentially, digital data is transmitted using a radio-frequency (RF) carrier signal that is modulated (i.e., varied). Various types of modulation schemes are currently used including, for example, amplitude modulation (AM), phase modulation, frequency modulation and pulse modulation, or a combination thereof. Each of these different modulation types is particularly adapted for different applications and has specific inefficiencies that are inherent when modulating signals.

[0006] In order to increase the amount of modulated data transmitted, various methods have been developed to pack more data into transmitted carrier waves. For example, quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) combines two AM signals into a single channel (i.e., modulation of two orthogonal signals in the same carrier signal), which results in doubling the effective bandwidth. QAM provides both amplitude and phase modulation, and is particularly useful for wireless applications, as well as for broadband and modem communication. QAM allows multiple bits to be encoded into a single time interval commonly designated as a symbol period. QAM also allows for both signal amplitude and phase to carry data (i.e., I and Q data carriers). Various forms of QAM are known, including, for example, quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) and M-ary QAM, which provides multilevel modulation.

[0007] With respect specifically to QAM, different transmission schemes exist that are defined by signal constellations having different numbers of code or transmission points per symbol to be transmitted (e.g., 64-QAM and 16-QAM). For example, in 16-QAM, sixteen code or transmission points are available for symbol selection. Essentially, designations such as 16-QAM refer to the size of the signal constellation used to transmit data. The signal constellation provides a plot of all possible QAM signal points with the number of n-bit symbols mapped in a two-axis plane. The constellation diagram shows the possible states for transmission wherein signal constellation diagram shows the possible states for transmission wherein signal amplitude is defined by the distance from the center of the constellation pattern to a point representing a particular state, and the angle created by a straight line connecting the center of the constellation pattern to the point representing the particular state defines the phase angle of the signal.

[0008] QAM constellation size (i.e., the number of points in the QAM constellation) is determined as follows: 2 raised to the power of the number of bits per symbol. For example, 16-QAM, which can also be identified as QAM-16, has four bits per symbol (i.e., 2⁴) and 64-QAM or QAM-64 has six bits per symbol (i.e., 2⁶). Thus, using QAM, multiple bits are packed into a single symbol period, such that the value of a symbol consisting of multiple bits is represented by the amplitude and phase states of the carrier wave.

[0009] Increasing the efficiency of bandwidth communication is desirable in many applications. One method, for example, is to use non-linear amplifiers which are inherently more power efficient at creating RF energy from direct current (DC) energy. However, achieving a high communication efficiency through a peak-power limited non-linear channel often requires complex controls. The problem encountered is that the use of non-linear channels creates distortions, which makes it difficult (i.e., complex control required) to use known signal constellation patterns, such as M-ary Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) constellations for transmissions. These known signal constellations are typically arranged in a rectangular pattern.

[0010] In particular, the use of non-linear channels causes these known rectangular constellations to rotate and expand in a manner proportional to the distance rectangular. This warping of the constellation results in a greater number of transmission errors because of control problems. Most known methods for compensating for this expansion and rotation are complex, and often inadequate to ensure acceptable transmission reliability levels for specific applications.

[0011] What is needed is a transmission scheme requiring less complex control that provides more efficient data communication using modulated signals. In particular, a constellation that retains its basic shape when transmitted over non-linear channels is desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a system and method for transmitting data more efficiently using modulated signals is provided that requires less complex controls. Generally, a communication or transmission scheme of the present invention for transmitting modulated signals is defined by a signal constellation arranged in a pattern having a plurality of concentric circles. Bit assignments are selected to provide a constellation that allows for simple amplitude pre-distortion with a high level of transmission efficiency (i.e., about 5 bps/Hz). The use of concentric circle constellations allows for more simple control of the amount of expansion, because the expansion in each circle will be the same through the nonlinearity. In addition, the circular constellations use less settings (i.e., less amplitude levels) than typical constellations that are maximized for linear channels using a rectangular constellation. For example, a typical 64-ary rectangular constellation requires ten discrete amplitude levels.

[0013] A constellation pattern having three concentric circles according to the present invention requires only three amplitude settings (i.e., levels), and a constellation pattern having four concentric circles according to the present invention requires only four amplitude settings (i.e., levels). Thus, the present invention is particularly well suited for applications having power and bandwidth constraints (e.g., satellite downlinks).

[0014] A transmission scheme for transmitting modulated signals according to the present invention also separates or divides data into symbols of pre-determined bit size, with two of the bits used for symbol selection produced from a convolutional encoding scheme. The constellation points for the concentric circle pattern are selected such that the error in magnitude does not exceed a predetermined level for the particular application.

[0015] Thus, the present invention provides an improved system and method for transmitting modulated signals with less complex control, which may be implemented in, for example, non-linear applications, using a constellation pattern having a plurality of concentric circles.

[0016] Additional objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017]FIG. 1 is a constellation diagram showing a typical rectangular pattern for use in a 64-QAM transmission;

[0018]FIG. 2 is a constellation diagram showing a concentric circle pattern constructed according to the principles of the present invention; and

[0019]FIG. 3 is a constellation diagram showing another concentric circle pattern of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0020] A typical constellation pattern used when transmitting a modulated signal requires numerous settings (i.e., for each of the amplitude levels). For example, and as shown in FIG. 1, a constellation 20 for use in a 64-ary QAM transmission requires ten amplitude levels to define the rectangular (i.e., in the form of a square) constellation 20 pattern, indicated therein by region 21. These constellation 20 patterns are typically only suitable for use in linear channel applications. In non-linear applications, signal distortion exceeds acceptable limits if not precisely controlled, which is often difficult to attain.

[0021] The following discussion of the preferred embodiments is directed to a constellation pattern allowing modulated signals to achieve bandwidth efficiencies of several bps/Hz (i.e., about 5 bps/Hz). Further, the present invention provides reliable and simple control of modulated transmissions in non-linear channel applications.

[0022] Specifically, and as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, constellations constructed according to the principles of the present invention include a plurality of concentric circles. Referring specifically to FIG. 2, and one embodiment of the present invention, an exemplary constellation 22 is arranged in a concentric circle pattern defined by a plurality of points 24. As shown therein for use in a 64-ary QAM (i.e., 64-QAM) transmission, three concentric circles are provided and defined by sixty-four points 24. In particular, an outer circle 26, a middle circle 28 and an inner circle 30 are each provided and define three amplitude levels for use in modulated transmissions. Specifically, the constellation 22 is preferably defined as follows:

[0023] Outer circle 24 with thirty-two points 24 and having a radius=1.0;

[0024] Middle circle 26 with sixteen points 24 and having a radius=0.7;

[0025] Inner circle 28 with sixteen points 24 and having a radius=0.5.

[0026] Referring now to FIG. 3, and another embodiment of the present invention, an exemplary constellation 32 includes a plurality of points 24 defining a concentric circle pattern having four concentric circles. As shown therein for use in a 64-ary QAM (i.e., 64-QAM) transmission, sixty-four points 24 define the four concentric circles. In particular, an outer circle 34, a first middle circle 36, a second middle circle 38 and an inner circle 40 are each provided and define four amplitude levels for use in modulated transmissions. Specifically, the constellation 32 is preferably defined as follows:

[0027] Outer circle 34 with twenty-four points 24 and having a radius=1.0;

[0028] First middle circle 36 with twenty points 24 and having a radius=0.77;

[0029] Second middle circle 38 with twelve points 24 and having a radius=0.54; and

[0030] Inner circle 40 with eight points 24 and having a radius=0.31.

[0031] To improve bit error probability, it is desired to maximize the minimum distance between uncoded bits and between coded bits of the same designation (i.e., A, B, C, D). The operating point of the system, (i.e., the power level used for transmission), determines which ring constellation as, between 3-ring and 4-ring, has the best performance. Also, for best efficiency, it is desirable to minimize the peak/average power ratio. The chart below compares the minimum distances and peak/average power ratio for both a 3-ring and 4-ring constellation of the present invention. For lower operating points, i.e., power levels, it is desirable to maximize the minimum distance between constellation points for best performance. The 4-ring constellation is preferred in this case. For higher operating points, it is desirable to maximize the minimum distance between points of the same designation for best performance. The 3-ring constellation is preferred in this case. Min distance Min distance Peak Power/ between between points of Modulation Average Power constellation points same designation 64-ary 3 ring 1.6 dB .196 .50 64-ary 4 ring 2.0 dB .230 .44

[0032] In operation, the constellations 22, 32 allow for modulated signal communication, for example, in non-linear channel modulated communication, with control of only three or four settings (i.e., amplitude levels). Various embodiments for encoding the bits representing the points 24 are provided depending upon the particular application. For example, and for use with constellations 22, 32, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, data to be modulated is separated or divided into sequences of 5 information bits (i.e., portions). Then, one of the bits is convolutionally encoded into two bits using a predetermined rate (e.g., a ½ convolutional code rate). Thus, the two coded bits and four uncoded bits define each of the 64-ary points 24.

[0033] In another exemplary embodiment for encoding, data to be modulated is separated or divided into sequences of 11 information bits (i.e., portions). In this embodiment, three of the bits are preferably convolutionally encoded into four bits using a ¾ convolutional code rate. Two of the coded bits and four of the uncoded bits determine one 64-ary constellation point 24 and the other two coded bits and other four uncoded bits determine another 64-ary constellation point 24.

[0034] The constellations 22, 32 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 define two possible concentric circle patterns for use in modulated transmissions according to the present invention. As shown therein, the four bits indicated in the various regions of the constellations 22, 32 represent the uncoded bits, with the coded bits represented by the letters A, B, C and D, and are preferably defined as follows:

[0035] A=00

[0036] B=01

[0037] C=10

[0038] D=11

[0039] Thus, the constellations 22, 32 provide control of modulated (e.g., QAM) communications using coded bits and a lower number of amplitude levels, which results in simplified transmissions (i.e., simpler pre-distortion than rectangular and other 64-QAM constellations). Thus, the constellations 22, 32 of the present invention use peak-power more efficiently, and are particularly useful in non-linear channel applications.

[0040] Although the present invention has been described in connection with constellations having specific points defining concentric circles for use with a specific type of modulated transmission, it should be appreciated that the constellations, including the specific defined points, may be modified to provide other types of encoded and modulated signals requiring different amplitude levels. Further, variations to the configuration of the concentric circle patterns of the constellations is possible depending upon the particular transmission requirements.

[0041] The foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from such discussion and from the accompanying drawings and claims, that various changes, modifications and variations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of transmitting data using a modulated signal, the method comprising: using a signal constellation arranged in a concentric circle pattern to represent the data for transmitting the modulated signal.
 2. The method according to claim 1 wherein the concentric circle pattern includes three circles.
 3. The method according to claim 2 wherein the concentric circle pattern comprises an outer circle having thirty-two points, a middle circle having sixteen points and an inner circle having sixteen points.
 4. The method according to claim 3 where the outer circle radius is about 1.0, the middle circle radius is about 0.7 and the inner circle radius is about 0.5.
 5. The method according to claim 1 wherein the concentric circle pattern includes four circles.
 6. The method according to claim 5 wherein the concentric circle pattern comprises an outer circle having twenty-four points, a first middle circle having twenty points, a second middle circle having twelve points and an inner circle having eight points.
 7. The method according to claim 6 where the outer circle radius is about 1.0, the first middle circle radius is about 0.77, the second middle circle radius is about 0.54 and the inner circle radius is about 0.31.
 8. The method according to claim 1 further comprising using quadrature amplitude modulation for modulating the signal.
 9. The method according to claim 1 further comprising separating the data into a plurality of predetermined sequence of information bits.
 10. The method according to claim 9 further comprising encoding at least one of the bits of each of the predetermined sequence of information bits.
 11. The method according to claim 10 wherein encoding comprises convolutionally encoding at least one bit.
 12. The method according to claim 11 wherein the convolutional encoding is provided at a predetermined rate.
 13. The method according to claim 1 wherein the constellation is a 64-ary constellation.
 14. The method according to claim 1 further comprising transmitting data using a non-linear channel.
 15. A method of transmitting a modulated signal, the transmission signal defined by a constellation pattern, the method comprising: configuring the transmission signal based upon a signal constellation arranged in a concentric circle pattern.
 16. The method according to claim 15 wherein the signal constellation is a 64-ary constellation.
 17. The method according to claim 16 wherein the concentric circle pattern includes three circles.
 18. The method according to claim 17 wherein the concentric circle pattern comprises an outer circle having thirty-two points, a middle circle having sixteen points and an inner circle having sixteen points.
 19. The method according to claim 16 wherein the concentric circle pattern includes four circles.
 20. The method according to claim 19 wherein the concentric circle pattern comprises an outer circle having twenty-four points, a first middle circle having twenty points, a second middle circle having twelve points and an inner circle having eight points.
 21. The method according to claim 16 further comprising dividing data of the transmission signal into a predetermined sequence of information bits.
 22. The method according to claim 21 further comprising encoding at least one of the bits.
 23. A system for transmitting data via a modulated signal defined by a signal constellation, the system comprising: an encoder for encoding at least part of the data; a modulator for modulating the data based upon a signal constellation defined by a plurality of concentric circles; a transmitter for transmitting the encoded data as the modulated signal; a receiver for receiving the modulated signal; a demodulator for demodulating the modulated signal into data; and a decoder for decoding the at least part of the encoded data.
 24. The system according to claim 23 wherein the encoder is adapted for convolutionally encoding at least part of the data.
 25. The system according to claim 24 wherein the signal constellation is defined by three concentric circles with an outer circle having thirty-two points, a middle circle having sixteen points and an inner circle having sixteen points and the transmitter is adapted to transmit the modulated signal based upon the three concentric circles.
 26. The system according to claim 24 wherein the signal constellation is defined by four concentric circles with an outer circle having twenty-four points, a first middle circle having twenty points, a second middle circle having twelve points and an inner circle having eight points and the transmitter is adapted to transmit the modulated signal based upon the four concentric circles.
 27. The system according to claim 23 wherein the modulator is adapted to provide 64-ary quadrature amplitude modulation.
 28. A transmission scheme for transmitting data using a modulated signal, the transmission scheme comprising: a plurality of concentric circles defining a constellation pattern for use in transmitting the data.
 29. The transmission scheme according to claim 28 wherein the plurality of concentric circles comprise three concentric circles with an outer circle having thirty-two points, a middle circle having sixteen points and an inner circle having sixteen points.
 30. The transmission scheme according to claim 28 wherein the plurality of concentric circles comprise four concentric circles with an outer circle having twenty-four points, a first middle circle having twenty points, a second middle circle having twelve points and an inner circle having eight points.
 31. The transmission scheme according to claim 28 wherein the data defined by the plurality of concentric circles is separated into portions defined by a predetermined sequence of information bits.
 32. The transmission scheme according to claim 31 wherein at least one of the data bits is convolutionally encoded.
 33. The transmission scheme according to claim 28 wherein the modulated signal is a 64-ary quadrature amplitude modulated signal. 